Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

Tent got installed on Friday. Awning goes on tomorrow. Super happy with it so far. Roof load bars were installed after I took these pics and got it home, too. Now just need to wire up the 12v light and USB charge system in the tent that normally goes from lighter socket to an Anderson plug but I'm going to hard wire a marine rated constant hot lighter socket in my rear passenger cubby to reach it and also to have a constant hot USB lighter plug in the back of the truck.








Tent is color matched to the truck, but the lighting in this pic makes the tent look lighter.

 

This should arrive in a couple weeks.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1jelEZYlmQo

 

I remember seeing a Kelly Kettle and waiting a long time to get one. I still have it and it is good as a survival kit but it is heavy and I don't take it with me on trips anymore. Depending on where you go collecting firewood, even small tinder, is against the rules. I love my Trangia systems but always have the Coleman stove as a backup.

 

My hope is my msr fits in this as a backup.

I have a kelly kettle also and use it a lot out the back of the truck. living in NH i don’t have issues collecting my fuel from downed lumber.

 

Awning done

 

What awning is that and do you have to mount it like yours or will it mount to a Toyota roof rack?

 

Alu-cab Shadow Awning. Lots of mounting options but not the best instructions

 

Do you plan to EVER plug that hole in your wallet?

 

Leaks like a sieve.

 

Hey guys. I'm looking to buy a new sleeping bag for the wife with this years REI dividend. She has a 20 deg bag that sucks. It's comfortable for her down to maybe 55 deg, 45 deg with a liner, so it's only good in the summer. How it's rated to 20 deg is beyond me. The last bag I bought was a zero deg North Face Snowshoe (synthetic) back in 2002, and I still use it. It's awesome, packs small, supper warm but you can also use it in temps up to 55 degrees and it doesn't overheat you, plus it's just under 4lbs with the stuff sack.

So, has sleeping bag tech devolved over the last 17 years or does REI just have a bad selection? When I filter by Temp rating and synthetic filler I get 10 results. The lightest one, that wont work because it's too short is 4lbs 8oz. Most are 5-5.5 lbs. That's too heavy for the 3-4 day hikes we do.

Not really interested in down. It's useless when it gets wet, and the good stuff cost a fortune and is also heavy. So is the North Face Snowshoe a unicorn or am I missing something?

 

@dustin Does your wife wear synthetic long undies, with top &socks while sleeping? Also I have a Hoodlum from enlightenedequipment.com/hoodlum-stock/
All of that plus a quilt and pad really works for me to about 10*F

 

I have a huge dividend, and there is nothing I want at REI anymore.

 

@2Toyotas You can get cash from REI, you need to check with them about the 'how do I do..'

 

I know. I have been a member since the 80s. I was just whining.

 

Yeah, she does. We also sleep on inflatable mats. I like that hoodlum, thanks for the share.

 

If you dont mind buying out of REI, Mountain Hardwear is having a big sale of last seasons equipment. You can get the Heratio 15F bag for her for half off for $129. great bag. 2lbs and very warm.

Edit: Just noticed you said you dont want down. Its a down bag, but i use a waterproof pump sack to put my bag in that works to pump of my sleeping pad also.

 

https://youtu.be/jp0orqboMbk

 

Looking good @Seabass.

Tried out the bed tent and air mattress over the weekend. Tested the lower limits of the sleeping bag + liner combo. Woke up sat to 21 degrees. The liner definitely helped. Still think I'll pick up something between a 0 and 15 degree bag for cold camping.
Managed to actually trip open the deflate valve on the air mattress which sucked. Need to bring some duct tape with me next time do I don't accidentally again.

All in all a killer weekend providing trail magic to AZ Trail thru hikers

 

Hell yeah, nice work!

 

Alright lets talk 15 degree sleeping bags. I think I have decided that is where my dividend is going to go towards.

Prefer Sub 3lbs and ideally 2-2.5 lb range also prefer something that compresses very well.

Current candidates
Overkill leader Phantom Torch 3
https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/152353/mountain-hardwear-phantom-torch-3-sleeping-bag-long

Closer to reality
MH Phantom Flame 15 2.4lbs fits int an 8L stuff sack
https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/prod...dwear-phantom-flame-15-down-sleeping-bag-long

Cheaper but heavier and not as compressible.
https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/152288/mountain-hardwear-ratio-15-down-sleeping-bag-long

Intriguing bag weight leader but comfort limit closer to double the temp rating
https://www.rei.com/product/148248/rei-co-op-magma-15-sleeping-bag-mens


Other bags that REI does not currently stock but hopefully will be coming
https://www.mountainhardwear.com/la...to20&dwvar_1857421_variationColor=434#start=9

I really like this one, and if REI stocked it I would probably just order it cause I love my current Furnace 35
https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/e...5f/inferno-15f-9c-cwu8?variationId=E8Q#hero=0


Not sure if I should be looking at something else or bite the bullet and go outside REI.